Donahue, IA

With around 350 residents, Donahue offers quiet, small-town living surrounded by open farmland in northern Scott County. Originally founded in 1871 as a stop on the Davenport and St. Paul Railroad, the community has held onto its peaceful, rural character over the years. History buffs can still visit the original 19th-century train depot preserved nearby at Pioneer Village, while residents enjoy having outdoor recreation and trails right down the road at Scott County Park.

Families moving to the area benefit from a close-knit atmosphere and strong local schools. Donahue is home to John Glenn Elementary right on Main Street, part of the well-regarded North Scott Community School District. Older students make the short trip into neighboring Eldridge for junior high and high school, which is also where locals go for grocery runs and everyday dining. For buyers wanting wide-open space with an easy commute into the Quad Cities, Donahue makes an appealing place to settle down.